Funding boost to help fill in the potholes

Work has begun to repair potholes on roads across Calderdale after the Government announced almost half-a-billion pounds worth of funding over the next six years for the Yorkshire region.

It’s the first time councils have been given locked-in funding over this length of time.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Roads play a significant part in everyday life. Poorly maintained local roads, blighted by potholes, are a menace to all road users, particularly during the festive period as people travel to see family and friends.

“It is vital we have good quality roads. This government has already taken strong action by spending £1 billion more on local roads maintenance than was spent in the previous parliament.

“This huge investment is part of our long term economic plan to ensure we have a transport network fit for the 21st century.”

Over £4.7 billion will be shared between 115 councils, while a further £575 million will be available through a new fund to help repair and maintain local highway infrastructure such as junctions, bridges and street lighting.

Peter Box, chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “West Yorkshire’s joint bid will see over £80m of road improvements in the next three years. Well-maintained roads lead to better reliability and journey times for buses, freight and car users, helping to make West Yorkshire a place businesses want to invest in.

“The certainty of £81m over three years, with a possible further £71m over the three years after that, is welcome; but I’m disappointed that the maintenance budgets of the individual councils have been reduced to create this fund, at a time when councils are being asked to reduce funding for services, including day-to-day highway maintenance.”